The NBA released a statement yesterday that did not deny last weekend's allegations that up to 20 referees gambled in casinos in violation of their contracts. However, the statement said its investigation shows only disgraced referee Tim Donaghy gambled on the NBA.

If commissioner David Stern has evidence a referee gambled in a casino, he could be fired under terms of his contract that prohibits all refs from wagering.
The loss of 20 referees, one-third the work force, would be devastating to the league with preseason openers slated to begin in less than two months. The NBA declined comment on what disciplinary action would be taken if a referee were found to have gambled in a casino.
"There have been allegations that other referees violated NBA rules prohibiting casino gaming and the like, but it remains our understanding that Tim Donaghy is the only referee who bet on NBA games," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said.
As part of his plea agreement, Donaghy reportedly cited 20 referees who have gambled in some form. The NBA is amidst its own investigation.
"Everything is under review," an NBA executive said last week regarding officials.
The crisis is so deep Stern has placed a gag order on NBA coaches and GMs. It's even trickled down to the WNBA.
Former NBA player and outspoken Detroit Shock coach Bill Laimbeer, who faces the Liberty in the playoffs Friday, told The Post, "You're not going to get me in the middle of that one. David Stern comes down with his big, old super gag order like 'Aaargh.' I'm not going to put my foot into something like that. That's crazy. Maybe I would comment on it, but my job is the preservation of everything and I'm not going to get in the middle of that one." Donaghy faces sentencing Nov. 9, and the more information he provides the feds likely will lead to a lighter sentence. He faces a maximum 25 years for gambling felonies that included making "picks" on NBA games for gamblers and providing inside information.

The accuracy of David Stern's description of Tim Donaghy as a "rogue, isolated criminal'' should determine Stern's job status after the worst scandal in NBA history plays out.
If the NBA commissioner was indeed correct in identifying the gambling-addicted referee as a single operative – and the hunch bet here is the other way – he might weather the storm and continue his reign. If, though, Stern proves to be wrong about an assertion made in the ugly affair's very early stages, he surely must leave the job with his credibility in tatters.
Current reports that Donaghy intends to detail the gambling habits, minor or otherwise, of 20 former workmates in the NBA referees' union have led to much speculation. Doubtless, if Donaghy sings clearly to federal authorities, some admissions will further embarrass and damage the NBA. Director of officiating Ronnie Nunn and executive vice-president Stu Jackson, already looking silly for missing Donaghy's actions for two years – after launching an investigation into his gambling and behavioural issues – surely will pay.

If the NBA crumbles further on Stern's watch, it's not difficult to see him leaving in disgrace, with the owners turning to someone like Bill Bradley to restore public confidence. Stern's a smart guy, but nothing might save him if he turns out to have called this one so blatantly wrong.

Given how he performed in the playoffs last year, I don't think anyone will think he has an opinion about who should win. Where's the conflict?

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Well, it would be awkward when he'd have to decide on suspensions for Sheed. On one hand, he would want a 6'11" 3-point specialist on the floor at all times, and on the other hand, he would have the responsibility to hold all players to the same standards.

Mark Cuban would be an amazing commissioner, but too many of the old guard ownership dislikes his style. They are a boys club, dedicated to the tried and true imperialistic approach to sports franchise ownership.

We should really stick with Stern and see what he can do going forward. I think after this scandal, he'll come back really motivated to get the job done. Especially since there is no clear cut answer for who you could get to replace him. If you're gonna can Stern, who are you gonna get? Who else is out there?